--- title: Heart Hugger Blog | After Heart Surgery description: After Heart Surgery | Learn more about how Heart Hugger can support patients undergoing heart surgery and are in need of respiratory splinting or sternal support. --- [![Tribute Media](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hubfs/Heart_Hugger_April2018%20Theme/Images/logo.png)](https://www.hearthugger.com) - [Contact](https://www.hearthugger.com/contact) toll free 800.798.2667 outside the U.S.408.395.2100 [![Home](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hubfs/logo-icon.png)](https://www.hearthugger.com) - [About Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/about-heart-hugger) - [What is Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/what-heart-hugger) - [Why Heart Hugger](https://www.hearthugger.com/why-heart-hugger) - [How To Use](https://www.hearthugger.com/how-to-use) - [Sizing and Fitting](https://www.hearthugger.com/sizing-and-fitting) - [Surgi Support Vest](https://www.hearthugger.com/surgi-support-vest) - [For Patients](https://www.hearthugger.com/patients) - [Heart Health](https://www.hearthugger.com/heart-health) - [Preparing for Surgery](https://www.hearthugger.com/preparing-for-surgery) - [After Your Surgery](https://www.hearthugger.com/after-your-surgery) - [Complications & Solutions](https://www.hearthugger.com/complications-solutions) - [Respiratory Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/respiratory-complications) - [Sternal Wound Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/sternal-wound-complications) - [Sternal Wound Stability (and the Pillow)](https://www.hearthugger.com/sternal-wound-stability) - [FAQs](https://www.hearthugger.com/faqs) - [For Healthcare Professionals](https://www.hearthugger.com/healthcare-professionals) - [Studies & Resources](https://www.hearthugger.com/studies-and-resources) - [Economic Implications of Complications](https://www.hearthugger.com/economic-implications-of-complications) - [Patient Compliance & The Clinical Pathway](https://www.hearthugger.com/patient-compliance-and-the-clinical-pathway) - [Tradeshows](https://www.hearthugger.com/tradeshows) - [How to Purchase](https://www.hearthugger.com/how-to-purchase) - [Find a Rep in Your Area](https://www.hearthugger.com/request-rep-information) - [Request Sample](https://www.hearthugger.com/request-sample) - [FDA & Medicare](https://www.hearthugger.com/fda-and-medicare) - [Blog](https://www.hearthugger.com/blog) - [Buy Now](https://www.hearthugger.com/products) *menu* menu [800.798.2667](tel:+18007982667) # Heart Hugger Blog ## [Why Heart Pillows are Ineffective After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-heart-pillows-are-ineffective-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jul 1, 2024 10:52:00 AM [4 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-heart-pillows-are-ineffective-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![heart pillow](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/heart%20pillow.jpg?width=1240&name=heart%20pillow.jpg "heart pillow") If you're researching information related to heart surgery and recovery, you've likely come across mentions of heart pillows (also known as chest or cough pillows). For years, these pillows have been standard issue in many hospitals for patients recovering from heart surgery or sternotomies. The traditional thinking was that heart pillows could provide comfort and support when patients needed to cough, sneeze, or manage pain.   - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/why-heart-pillows-are-ineffective-after-heart-surgery) [Respiratory Splinting](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/respiratory-splinting) [Sternum Stabilization](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternum-stabilization) [Sternal Dehiscence](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternal-dehiscence) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Sleeping After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tips-to-help-you-sleep-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on May 5, 2023 12:15:00 PM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tips-to-help-you-sleep-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![sleeping after heart surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/sleeping%20after%20heart%20surgery.jpg?width=1240&name=sleeping%20after%20heart%20surgery.jpg "sleeping after heart surgery") It is quite common for patients to complain of having trouble sleeping after heart surgery. It can mean added stress during recovery, as patients are tired and want sleep, and because most recognize how vital sleep is to the [recovery process](https://blog.hearthugger.com/things-to-expect-during-heart-surgery-recovery).  Let's take a look at some of the factors that affect post-surgery sleep patterns as well as tips to help you sleep better. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tips-to-help-you-sleep-after-heart-surgery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Activity After Heart Surgery: What You Need to Know](https://blog.hearthugger.com/activity-after-heart-surgery-what-you-need-to-know) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Mar 24, 2022 2:14:36 PM [2 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/activity-after-heart-surgery-what-you-need-to-know#comments-listing) ![holding a heart shape with a heartbeat on it](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_392672332%20(1).jpg?width=1240&name=shutterstock_392672332%20(1).jpg "holding a heart shape with a heartbeat on it") During heart surgery recovery, it's helpful to know what to expect--and, perhaps most importantly, what your body needs from you. Here are a few tips to help you manage one aspect of your recovery: activity after heart surgery. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/activity-after-heart-surgery-what-you-need-to-know) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Home Care after Open Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/home-care-after-open-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on May 25, 2021 7:50:59 AM [2 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/home-care-after-open-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![elder man putting a blanket on elder woman while she sits on the couch](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Caring-Recovery.jpg?width=1240&name=Caring-Recovery.jpg "elder man putting a blanket on elder woman while she sits on the couch") If you are [caring for someone](https://blog.hearthugger.com/helping-after-heart-surgery) after open-heart surgery, or if you are preparing for your own recovery, here are some tips and things you need to know to help you take ownership of the recovery process and help shape the very best outcome. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/home-care-after-open-heart-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Caring for Patients](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/caring-for-patients) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [5 Ways to Help Your Loved One After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/helping-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Mar 9, 2021 8:34:04 AM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/helping-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![happy older asian father being cared for by daughter](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/family-caring.jpg?width=1240&name=family-caring.jpg "happy older asian father being cared for by daughter") When a loved one has had heart surgery, it can be a frightening time for both the patient and for you. There are a lot of things that your loved one will simply not be able to do for a while. There are also many types of support your loved one will need to get through the [heart surgery recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-surgery-recovery)period. It's important to be there for your loved one so that this time goes smoothly. Here are specific ways your loved one can use your help post-surgery.  - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/helping-after-heart-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [Sternum Stabilization](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/sternum-stabilization) [Postoperative Care](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/postoperative-care) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Essential Tips for a Healthy Heart After Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/healthy-heart-after-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Mar 27, 2020 2:16:05 PM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/healthy-heart-after-surgery#comments-listing) ![exercise and diet, healthy heart](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/heart-health-2.jpg?width=1240&name=heart-health-2.jpg "exercise and diet, healthy heart") Being concerned about your health as a patient is normal, especially after heart surgery. What lies ahead will help ease your worries and restore your heart health after your surgery. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/healthy-heart-after-surgery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) [Heart Health](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-health) [Heart Healthy Diet](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-healthy-diet) ## [How to Cough and Sneeze After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-cough-and-sneeze-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jan 29, 2020 9:53:47 AM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-cough-and-sneeze-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![Man coughing into his fist, isolated on a gray background](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/coughing-man.jpg?width=1240&name=coughing-man.jpg "Man coughing into his fist, isolated on a gray background") You probably never thought you'd have to look up "how to cough and sneeze," but the truth is that these simple, everyday actions can get a little more complicated after heart surgery. Here's everything you need to know, plus a few extra tips to keep you healthy and comfortable. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/how-to-cough-and-sneeze-after-heart-surgery) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [How Long Is Open Heart Surgery Recovery?](https://blog.hearthugger.com/open-heart-surgery-recovery-time) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Jan 6, 2020 8:17:17 AM [0 Comments](https://blog.hearthugger.com/open-heart-surgery-recovery-time#comments-listing) ![doctor-patient-recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/doctor-patient-recovery.jpg?width=1240&name=doctor-patient-recovery.jpg "doctor-patient-recovery") There are all kinds of things to learn, know, and understand before open-heart surgery. Perhaps one of the most important is how long your recovery might take, but the truth is that there's no single answer. Read on to find out how to calculate open-heart surgery recovery time. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/open-heart-surgery-recovery-time) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Common Complications After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-recovery-complications) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Dec 10, 2019 12:03:51 PM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-recovery-complications#comments-listing) ![Doctor and senior male patient discussing complications and risks in hospital room](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/doctor-patient.jpg?width=1240&name=doctor-patient.jpg "Doctor and senior male patient discussing complications and risks in hospital room") Heart surgery is an intensive process. While you can trust your doctors to take good care of you, it's still important to know and understand the complications that might occur. Here is a quick list of complications that may occur after heart surgery, and what you can do to limit your risk. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/heart-surgery-recovery-complications) [Heart Surgery Recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/heart-surgery-recovery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) ## [Sternal Precautions: Stay Safe After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternal-precautions-stay-safe-after-heart-surgery) Posted by [Heart Hugger](https://blog.hearthugger.com/author/heart-hugger) on Oct 8, 2019 11:27:30 AM [1 Comment](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternal-precautions-stay-safe-after-heart-surgery#comments-listing) ![heart-recovery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/hs-fs/hubfs/heart-recovery.jpg?width=1240&name=heart-recovery.jpg "heart-recovery") Sternal precautions are a considerable part of the recovery and healing process after heart surgery. However, many [patients have a lot of questions](https://www.hearthugger.com/patients) about sternal precautions--and that's great. To help patients take an active role in their healing and understand what they need to do, we're explaining exactly what sternal precautions are, why they're essential, and how you can stick with them. - [Read More](https://blog.hearthugger.com/sternal-precautions-stay-safe-after-heart-surgery) [After Heart Surgery](https://blog.hearthugger.com/topic/after-heart-surgery) [Next](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/after-heart-surgery/page/2) - Recent - Popular - Tags - [Heart Surgery Recovery (22)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-surgery-recovery) - [After Heart Surgery (16)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/after-heart-surgery) - [Postoperative Care (15)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/postoperative-care) - [Heart Health (12)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-health) - [Sternum Stabilization (9)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternum-stabilization) - [Caring for Patients (8)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/caring-for-patients) - [cardiac rehab (7)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/cardiac-rehab) - [Sternal Dehiscence (6)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternal-dehiscence) - [Preparing for Heart Surgery (5)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/preparing-for-heart-surgery) - [Respiratory Splinting (4)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/respiratory-splinting) - [Postoperative Bra (3)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/postoperative-bra) - [sternotomy (3)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/sternotomy) - [Heart Healthy Diet (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/heart-healthy-diet) - [Managing Pain After Heart Surgery (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/managing-pain-after-heart-surgery) - [Support Device (2)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/support-device) - [Hospital Safety (1)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/hospital-safety) - [Patient Safety (1)](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/patient-safety) see all ©2018  General Cardiac Technology, Inc. 6489 Camden Ave Suite 106 San Jose CA 95120 800.798.2667 Phone 408.395.2100 (outside the U.S) Fax: 408.395.2113 powered by Tribute Media [a web marketing agency](https://www.tributemedia.com) | [login](https://www.hearthugger.com/user) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/hearthugger) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Heart_Hugger) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/heart-hugger) [Top](https://blog.hearthugger.com/tag/after-heart-surgery#top)